UTHSC and Omega Ministries host 29th back to school health fair

July 15, 2017 - Jaedon Brooks, 4, smiles for a photo before heading to see a dentist during the 29th annual Back-to-School Family Affair hosted by UTHSC and Omega Ministries at the UTHSC Student-Alumni Center. "So far it's been great," Jasmine Sikes, Brooks' mom, said. "They're so willing to help and they care about parents and the children."(Photo: Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal)Buy Photo

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, in collaboration with Omega Health Ministries, held its 29th annual back-to-school health fair from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the UTHSC Student-Alumni Center.

A free event to the public, residents received everything from oral exams and immunizations, to school supplies and physicals in preparation for the approaching school year.

"We understand that a lot of students who want to go to school can't because they don't have physicals," said Pam Houston, director of special events and community affairs for UTHSC.

"We saw the need, and wanted to make it easier for people to have access that they normally wouldn't have."

The fair also provided a range of immunizations for children aged 2 to 18 including Hepatitis A and B, Chicken pox, and Measles Mumps and Rubella.

In Tennessee, two doses of MMR are required for students in any grade other than kindergarten according to the Tennessee Department of Health.

While the event serves as a one-stop shop for many basic back-to-school needs, there were multiple services available for adults, including blood pressure and glucose screenings.

"(The health fair) was started because we wanted to bring health care to the community," said Joyce Shaw of Omega Health Ministries, who has coordinated the event since its inception.

"I do think there are areas in our city that don't have the access that they need."

Shaw says that despite this need, however, she believes that Memphis is heading in the right direction.

"Healthcare is changing all the time, there are more services than there were before," Shaw said.

Helena Song, 33, has only been living in Memphis for 9 months and was able to bring her 5 year-old son in for a physical before the start of the school year.

"I think it's wonderful," Song said of the event.

"Making an appointment can sometimes be difficult, the assembly here is more efficient."

Firestone dental, the Church Health Center and the Southern College of Optometry were among the almost 40 organizations present at the event.

The fair also gave out free book bags filled with school supplies to the first 1,000 participants and raffled off bike prizes for a few lucky children.

"I like to see the kids get the bikes every year, they get so excited," Houston said.

"They love the fact that someone is willing to give them something without asking for anything in return."